Dick Gregory's Frankenstein (1970)

Classic Dick Gregory LP originally released in 1970 on Poppy Records.

It's interesting to note how little things have changed since the release of this album in 1970. In the nine years since Dick Gregory first appeared on vinyl, he'd built up quite a reputation for his strident political beliefs, evolving from a standup comedian into a social commentator, and Frankenstein resembles a comedy album only so far as Gregory manages to get laughs in between pointed jabs at society and the government. Yes, it can seem a bit preachy, and yes, the delivery is very groovy (you can only hear him say "dig it now" so many times before it starts to grate), but the message is what's important: No matter how many important strides are made, race continues to be a factor in the way people treat each other, in the way laws are made, and in the way society as a whole functions. Maybe the names of the protagonists and antagonists have changed, but the message of this album still carries a lot of weight, even into the new millennium. - all music guide

For more Classic Black Cinema and Media, follow ReelBlack on YouTube